Dumbbell attack teacher given a two-year community order

Teacher Peter Harvey, who attacked a 14-year-old pupil with a dumbbell, has been given a two-year community order, the BBC has reported.

Harvey, who had been suffering from depression, was found not guilty of attempted murder at Nottingham Crown Court. The court heard pupils had deliberately goaded the teacher in an attempt to film his reaction with a hidden camcorder. The incident occurred after Harvey returned to work from five months sick leave for depression.

Judge Michael Stokes told Harvey: “You are a thoroughly decent man and for well over 20 years you have been a dedicated and successful school teacher.”

According to teachers’ union NASUWT, Harvey’s employer, All Saints’ Roman Catholic School in Mansfield, is attempting to dismiss him rather than accept his application for retirement on the grounds of illness.

A Nottinghamshire County Council spokesperson said: “The governing body of All Saints School is dealing with the employment issue under their own internal procedures.”